Hey there Beautiful Souls! Welcome to Day 24 of "Chaos to Clarity: Hearing God When Life is Loud" - a 30-day transformational journey on The Holy Shift Devotionals Podcast with Desiree Day.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STRIVING AND SURRENDERING

Today's episode reveals what happens when you stop trying to figure everything out alone and start listening for God's instruction while you do the work.

After becoming a mother, Desiree's relationship with her work changed. For 7 years she'd been passionate about the company she helped build. But now? She didn't feel as dedicated. Yet she had a baby - she needed to provide.

So she asked God: "Which direction should I go? I have so much history here. But is this where I'm supposed to move into now?"

She kept working while waiting for the answer. But the work that used to excite her felt like a foreign language she couldn't comprehend anymore. Like amnesia. She used to speak it fluently - with passion, focus, momentum. Now she could barely keep up. The team noticed but gave her space.

Then she started writing the devotional book. Got excited. Built momentum. Had drive. She realized: I still have this in me. But God was redirecting it, calling her to true surrender - trust Him to leave everything for the unknown.

For the last 6 months there, she made a huge shift. Presented a complete role change to leadership: "Let me write books for you based on your content."

But first she asked God: "Is this okay?" Felt peace. He was okay with it.

She sees why now - her first book pitch with people who trusted and respected her. God training her in a safe environment.

They set up a trial period. That period became the bridge - sustained her financially through the move to Missouri, gave her time to find peace, positioned her to let go when it ended.

When it ended, they went their own ways with mutual gratitude and blessings. God had cleared out all the old ways not meant for her new chapter.

She didn't hustle any of it. Full surrender - inch by inch, day by day. Because she leaned into God and trusted His plan, she's taken care of.

DISCLAIMER: This doesn't mean she did nothing. This was a lot of lift. Presenting, negotiating, executing. But she didn't try to figure it out alone - she listened for God's instruction and moved in His timing.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God"

• The difference: Striving (figuring it out alone) vs. Surrendering (listening for God's instruction)

• How work felt like a foreign language after becoming a mother

• Asking God before presenting the role change

• The trial period as God's bridge through transition

• Why surrender doesn't mean do nothing - it means do the work while listening for God's instruction and moving in His timing

• Striving creates exhaustion; surrendering creates peace

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God."

YOUR HOLY SHIFT ACTION: Ask God about your transition: "Is this the direction You want me to go?" Listen for peace or redirection. Then do the work - but listening for His instruction, moving in His timing. That's surrender.

CONNECT: Instagram: @HolyShiftDevotionals | Facebook/Pinterest: @HolyShiftMedia | Website: holyshiftmedia.com

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